Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has insisted that his side's status as La Liga leaders is irrelevant ahead of their trip to Barcelona.

Los Blancos currently hold a six-point advantage over Barcelona in the standings, while Barca have struggled in recent weeks with the Catalan giants recording three successive draws in domestic action.

However, Benzema has acknowledged that his team are under pressure to perform in El Clasico as they look to extend their lead over their arch rivals.

The 28-year-old is quoted by BBC Sport as saying: "There will be a lot of pressure, everyone is braced for that.

"For that reason, going into the game there as league leaders does not make a difference. It is the game to watch, it is as if when Real Madrid play Barcelona the footballing world stops and everyone talks about this game."

Benzema is expected to start for Real after the long-term injury to Gareth Bale.